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Ontario reappoints Mahoney as WSIB chair

By Mari-Len De Guzman

05/19/2011|www.cos-mag.com

Steve Mahoney gets another year as the WSIB chair, following the Ontario goverment's decision to reappoint Mahoney. The WSIB chair comments on this development at the recent Partners in Prevention Trade Show and Conference in Mississauga, Ont.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board chair Steve Mahoney welcomed the Ontario government's decision to keep him in the WSIB office for another year, saying the work of preventing injuries continues.

Earlier this week, the WSIB has announced Mahoney's reappointment as the chair of the WSIB.

Mahoney was first appointed as chair of the WSIB on May 17, 2006. His reappointment is effective May 17, 2011 for a period of one year.

Addressing attendees of the Partners in Prevention Trade Show and Conference on Wednesday, Mahoney said he welcomed the premier's decision to give him another year to remain as chair of the WSIB, saying that he will "continue to be involved in prevention" even beyond his tenure.

"WSIB will continue to support all efforts that are aimed at reducing claims and injuries," Mahoney told attendees.

Prior to his appointment in 2006, Mahoney was a former MPP and federal cabinet minister and had more than 25 years of experience at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government, including one year as federal secretary of state for Crown corporations. Mahoney was also previously labour critic in the Ontario legislature.

“I am pleased that Mr. Mahoney has accepted his re-appointment as chair of the WSIB. I look forward to Mr. Mahoney’s advice and leadership as the WSIB continues to balance fairness for injured workers and financial sustainability for employers,” said? Charles Sousa, Minister of Labour.

Mahoney also welcomed the developments around Bill 160 and the Dean Panel recommendations, saying that despite the impending changes to the prevention mandate — shifting from the WSIB to the Ministry of Labour — the WSIB will "consider it business as usual"

He said he doesn't expect the transition to happen until next April. "At the end of the day, we will still be concerned with prevention. It has to still be a major part of that function as an organization."